Shirley Selena Jackson

JOURNEY OF LIFE Shirley Selena Jackson, at the age of eighty-six (86), transitioned peacefully to eternal glory to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at her residence in Cambridge, MD. Shirley was born on August 25, 1936 to the late Elsie and Gaither Jackson, Sr and the family later moved to Vienna, MD. “Momma Shirley” as she was affectionately called by her family and “Ms. Dorchester County” by the community. Shirley was raised on a farm with her sisters and brothers. Shirley attended the Vienna Elementary School, Frederick Douglas St. Clair High School, and graduated from Maces Lane High School in 1954. On December 27, 1958, Shirley gave birth to the joy of her heart, Deborah Renee Jackson affectionately known as “Debbie.” Shirley obtained employment at the Eastern Shore State Psychiatric Facility in Cambridge, MD until her retirement after 30-years of service in 1995. After retiring from the hospital, she was asked to work with the senior program for Delmarva Community Service as the coordinator. She worked at the Senior Center in Hurlock for nearly 20-years, until she finally retired in 2017. Shirley was truly an angelic servant of God. She always had the faith and belief in the goodness of people. Shirley was a long-time, active member of Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church in Cambridge, MD. Shirley was compassionate to her church congregation in many ways. She served as secretary for more then 30-years and donated her time, talents, and resources. Shirley help improved the lives of many people in the Dorchester County community. Shirley kept in touch with her high school classmates of 1954 and served on the reunion committee for many years. In recent years, Shirley became a Trustee on the Nanticoke Historic Preservation Alliance Organization (Handsell), the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, Coastal Hospice, the Veterans Recognition Committee, the League of Women Voters, Hot Meals Ministry, and Project Head Start. Shirley has received numerous awards and community acknowledgements including the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Award, the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Award, and Governor William Donald Schaefer Dorchester County’s Most Beautiful People Award. Senator Barbara Mikulski stated, “Dorchester County was a happier community as a result of Shirley Jackson volunteerism.” Shirley was a Silver Life Member of the NAACP. “Momma Shirley” was known for her wisdom, kind, and unique personality, along with her passion for history. She believed in giving back and loved supporting the Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church Food Mission. “Momma Shirley” was truly a woman after God’s heart. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Gaither Jackson, Sr. and brothers, William Farrare, Charles Jackson, and Gaither Jackson, Jr. Momma Shirley was devoted to her family. She never said no to anyone. She was loved by so many and will be sorely missed. She leaves to cherish fond and loving memories: her daughter, Deborah Murphy and son-in-love, Patrick of Baltimore, MD; grandson, Frederick Battle, Jr. of Dallas, TX; granddaughter, Kiara Wiggins (Windell) of Parkville, MD; brother, Russell Jackson (Linda) of Tucson, AZ; sisters, Elsie Elois Lester of Eagle River, AK, Ethel Young of Baltimore, MD and Lillian Morris of Sewell, NJ and sisters-in-love, Theresa Jackson of Brandywine, MD and Annette Jackson of Rocky Mount, NC. She also leaves six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family

Shirley Selena Jackson

August 25, 1936 - December 21, 2022